Overheard Optometry

14 Ridiculously Funny Things That Kids Actually Said at the Eye Doctor’s Office

“Are you allergic to anything?” “Poison.”

Published

1 year ago

August 14, 2018

As a child, going to any kind of doctor’s office is nerve-wrecking. You notice the latex gloves, red-capped eye drops, alcohol wipes and different metal tools, not to mention the smell of “exam room” everywhere you walk in the office.

So it’s no wonder that kids arrive to their eye exam appointments filled with mixed emotions. Some are curious, filled with questions for which doctors have no way to prepare ahead of time. Others react with horror to any sight of drops or gadgets. Some child patients even come to the office with words of wisdom for adults to live by.

Read below for 14 of our favorite stories of children at the eye doctor’s office, submitted by ECPs from all over. One thing’s for sure: Children are funny, curious and charming no matter where they live, or which doctor’s office they visit.

When the optometrist is no longer a doctor in this innocent child’s eyes, but a blatant traitor.

?Cardiff, Wales, UK ????????? • #overheardoptometry #cycloplegia #cycloplegicrefraction #pediatrics #kidssaythedarndestthings #optometryinwales
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Aug 6, 2018 at 8:59am PDT

I mean, she’s not lying …

?Houston, Texas, USA ?? • #overheardoptometry #poison #kidssaythedarndestthings #allergies #optometryintexas
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Jul 17, 2018 at 6:00am PDT

Why haven’t we thought about this before?

?Virginia, USA ?? • #overheardoptometry #kidssaythedarndestthings #tears #optometryinvirginia
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Jun 26, 2018 at 5:58pm PDT

Asking for a friend.

?Wales, UK ????????? • #overheardoptometry #eyepatch #eyeeyecaptain #optometryinwales
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Jun 26, 2018 at 7:05am PDT

At least he’s too young to reveal this on Yelp.

?Sydney, Australia ?? • #overheardoptometry #cycloplegia #kidssaythedarndestthings #dilationdrops #optometryinaustralia
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Jun 12, 2018 at 6:26pm PDT

How could Mom forget?

?Minnesota, USA ?? • #overheardoptometry #kidssaythedarndestthings #optometryinminnesota
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Jun 10, 2018 at 6:20pm PDT

Think twice before you call your patient … err, patient’s eyes … lazy.

?Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ?? • #overheardoptometry #lazyeye #amblyopia #kidssaythedarndestthings #optometryinaustralia
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Jun 7, 2018 at 7:49am PDT

He comes prepared.

?Dunedin, New Zealand ?? • #overheardoptometry #kidssaythedarndestthings #sungazing #optometryinnewzealand
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on May 6, 2018 at 6:18pm PDT

Dreams are broken at the optometrist’s office.

?Newbury, England, UK ????????? • #overheardoptometry #badsight #kidssaythedarndestthings #optometryinengland
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Apr 16, 2018 at 2:10pm PDT

Creative jargon.

?Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA ?? • #overheardoptometry #pupils #pukeholes #optometryinindiana
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Apr 8, 2018 at 5:45pm PDT

I think this gets covered during second year of optometry school … right?

Kent, England, UK ????????? • #overheardoptometry #kidssaythedarndestthings #space #optometryinengland
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Mar 21, 2018 at 2:25pm PDT

At least his sinuses are working!

?Manchester, New Hampshire, USA ?? • #overheardoptometry #covertest #delicious #optometryinnewhampshire
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Mar 7, 2018 at 7:40am PST

When life’s answers are revealed in the exam room.

?Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ?? • #overheardoptometry #stereopsis #3dglasses #3d #kidssaythedarndestthings #optometryinaustralia
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Feb 12, 2018 at 10:09am PST

When you decide there should be an age limit on when to show retinal photos to your
patients …

?St. Augustine, Florida, USA ?? • #overheardoptometry #optomap #optos #retinalphotography #bloodvessels #kidssaythedarndestthings #staugustine #florida #optometryinflorida
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Jan 12, 2018 at 7:32am PST

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Overheard Optometry

12 Patients Who Left Everyone Speechless at the Optometrist’s Office

Off-the-wall comments are approaching record levels.

Published

1 month ago

December 8, 2019

Elvira Derhovsepian

MAYBE IT’S JUST that time of year, when everyone is stressed because of the fast-approaching holidays. Whatever the reason, patients sure seem to be coming up with some off-the-wall comments lately.

With the new year coming, I want to say that it’ll get better. I want to encourage readers that the year 2020 will bring forth fewer shocking statements in eyecare offices everywhere.

But when I look at the number of submissions we receive at Overheard Optometry, I know that’s unlikely.

Here are some examples:

1. I mean … 365 days a year x multiple years and you, patient, could be on to something.

View this post on Instagram

Anonymous location #overheardoptometry #wrinkles #contactlenses #optometry
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Nov 15, 2019 at 9:40am PST

2. Well. At least this patient adopted a viable daily routine and has one less new year’s resolution.

View this post on Instagram

Cerritos, California, USA 🇺🇸 #overheardoptometry #glasses #presbyopic #presbyopicdenialcommittee #myopic #hyperopic #optometryincalifornia
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Nov 14, 2019 at 8:27am PST

3. Are we talkin’ natural? Gluten-free? Purified air? We need answers.

View this post on Instagram

Los Angeles, California, USA 🇺🇸 #overheardoptometry #airpuff #noncontacttonometer #intraocularpressure #kidssaythedarndestthings #optometryincalifornia
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Nov 13, 2019 at 7:04am PST

4. We got shopping to do, gifts to wrap, places to be, things to see …

View this post on Instagram

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺 #overheardoptometry #visualfield #glaucoma #optometryinaustralia
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Nov 11, 2019 at 7:29am PST

5. Are we talking retinal pictures or holiday gifts at this point?

View this post on Instagram

Los Angeles, California, USA 🇺🇸 #overheardoptometry #itsallgucci #retinalphotos #optometryincalifornia
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Nov 3, 2019 at 7:59am PST

6. Not sure who/what feels more invisible: the technician or the neglected black chair?

View this post on Instagram

Los Angeles, California, USA 🇺🇸 #overheardoptometry #awkward #optometryincalifornia
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Nov 2, 2019 at 9:41am PDT

7. Wish I was at the dentist, too, to avoid the obligation of having to reply to this.

View this post on Instagram

Boise, Idaho, USA 🇺🇸 #overheardoptometry #dentist #optos #optomap #retinalphotography #optometryinidaho
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Oct 29, 2019 at 7:21am PDT

8. Neither is your brain, is it?

View this post on Instagram

Los Angeles, California, USA 🇺🇸 #overheardoptometry #retinalimaging #patients #fundusphotography #optometryincalifornia
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Oct 21, 2019 at 8:41am PDT

9. Taking natural eye remedies to a whole new level.

View this post on Instagram

Los Angeles, California, USA 🇺🇸 #overheardoptometry #grits #eyeinjury #optometryincalifornia
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Oct 20, 2019 at 10:10am PDT

10. Can’t you see through the phone that I’m preparing for Thanksgiving dinner next week?

View this post on Instagram

Every office ever #overheardoptometry #eyeexam #receptionist #optometry
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Oct 15, 2019 at 7:44am PDT

11. Praying for 2020 vision in 2020.

View this post on Instagram

Toronto, Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦 #overheardoptometry #astigmatism #optometryincanada
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Nov 21, 2019 at 9:45am PST

12. As well as a 2020 mind for all our patients.

View this post on Instagram

Carson City, Nevada, USA 🇺🇸 #overheardoptometry #1or2 #refraction #snellen #optometryinnevada
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Nov 16, 2019 at 9:11am PST

Overheard Optometry

10 Mind-Bending Things Overheard at the Eye Doctor’s Office

‘This is worse than a gynecology exam.’

Published

7 months ago

July 2, 2019

Elvira Derhovsepian

TO THE ECPS reading this: When you got into this field, did you really know what you were getting into? Sure, you trained for the technical and medical parts of the job. But the daily chit-chat can be quite a different story.

Did you anticipate the double-meanings behind each answer? Did you predict having to work as a psychologist in addition to being an eye doctor? Did you ever think you’d unintentionally dig deep into your patients’ lives and open a Pandora’s box of life stories?

Take a look into the stories our followers have documented and reported to Overheard Optometry over the past few months. See if you can relate to any of your fellow ECPs — or perhaps even the patients.

1. When you need to take a second glance at your life and make sure you are an optometrist, and not an obstetrician.

View this post on Instagram

Madison, Wisconsin, USA #overheardoptometry #dilation #delivery #dilationdrops #optometryinwisconsin
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on May 22, 2019 at 7:09am PDT

2. Or a psychologist. Wait, pull that chair back up. No you can’t lie down on it—are you serious?

View this post on Instagram

Anonymous location #overheardoptometry #clearvision #2020 #hindsight
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on May 26, 2019 at 9:07am PDT

3. When your optician is equipped with a request in one witty answer.

View this post on Instagram

Port Saint Lucie, Florida, USA #overheardoptometry #optical #optician #glasses #optometryinflorida
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on May 28, 2019 at 7:31am PDT

4. Or when you realize this optician and technician can be great friends.

View this post on Instagram

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA #overheardoptometry #prostheticeye #optometryinmichigan
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on May 14, 2019 at 9:06am PDT

5. When the tables have turned and you become your patient’s patient.

View this post on Instagram

Northamptonshire, England, UK #overheardoptometry #opticnerve #fundus #optometryinengland
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on May 11, 2019 at 8:35am PDT

6. Have you ever experienced a moment when you can’t say anything to make your patient feel better?

View this post on Instagram

St. Louis, Missouri, USA #overheardoptometry #gynecology #gynecologist #eyeexams #optometryinmissouri
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on May 8, 2019 at 7:51am PDT

7. Or thought about perfecting your poker face when you’re hit with statements like this?

View this post on Instagram

Northamptonshire, England, UK #overheardoptometry #varifocals #multifocals #presbyopia #optometryinengland
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on May 7, 2019 at 8:34am PDT

8. Sometimes, it may just be better to nod and smile, or pretend you didn’t hear anything.

View this post on Instagram

Anonymous location #overheardoptometry #flask #eyeexamsarerough
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on May 4, 2019 at 9:36am PDT

9. Especially with comments like this…

View this post on Instagram

Trinidad #overheardoptometry #presbyopia #aging #optometryintrinidadandtobago
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Apr 25, 2019 at 7:49am PDT

10. When you’ve heard it all, it’s best to answer it as straightforwardly as this optometrist:

View this post on Instagram

South Africa #overheardoptometry #poorvision #contagious #eyes #optometryinsouthafrica
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Apr 16, 2019 at 6:26am PDT

Overheard Optometry

12 Overconfident Eyecare Patients Who Thought They Knew More Than the Doctor

‘I’ve always had unisex eyes!’

Published

7 months ago

June 18, 2019

Elvira Derhovsepian

WHEN YOU EMBARK on the journey to become an eyecare professional, you endure years of classroom and clinical training to be able to see patients on your own. You proffer your professional advice on eye health, write prescriptions, and generally make it your business to know what you’re doing.

But what about the moments when your patients can teach you a thing or two? It happens sometimes, no doubt. But other times, they come up with some pretty crazy stuff.

What would you do if your patients said the following?

1. Denial ain’t just a river, it’s apparently a drink too.

View this post on Instagram

St. Louis, Missouri, USA #overheardoptometry #blurryvision #dilationdrops #beers #optometryinmissouri
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Jun 9, 2019 at 9:04am PDT

2. Stay tuned for the androgynous contacts, scheduled to be released next summer.

View this post on Instagram

Kansas, USA #overheardoptometry #unisex #contactlenses #optometryinkansas
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Jun 4, 2019 at 8:09am PDT

3. Oh, honey…

View this post on Instagram

Darwin, Australia #overheardoptometry #manukahoney #dryeyes #optometryinaustralia
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on May 31, 2019 at 7:10am PDT

4. Perhaps it was on the “Popcorn” feature?

View this post on Instagram

Setúbal, Portugal #overheardoptometry #glasses #optical #optometryinportugal
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on May 9, 2019 at 6:29am PDT

5. Tap, still or sparkling?

View this post on Instagram

Northamptonshire, England, UK #overheardoptometry #dryeyes #water #optometryinengland
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on May 6, 2019 at 6:37am PDT

6. Flipping minds and corneas alike.

View this post on Instagram

Grants Pass, Oregon, USA #overheardoptometry #cornea #cornealinjury #optometryinoregon
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on May 3, 2019 at 5:15am PDT

7. Meyend-blowing.

View this post on Instagram

Northhamptonshire, England, UK #overheardoptometry #contactlenses #dryeyes #naturalselection #optometryinengland
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on May 2, 2019 at 7:50am PDT

8. Probably had it on “Heavy Wash”.

View this post on Instagram

Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada #overheardoptometry #dishwashersafe #glasses #optical #optician #optometryincanada
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on May 1, 2019 at 7:08am PDT

9. What kind of insect was that and where can we find it?

View this post on Instagram

Hermitage, Pennsylvania, USA #overheardoptometry #astigmatism #optometryinpennsylvania
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Apr 30, 2019 at 7:42am PDT

10. Glaucoma…gluten-free…tomato…tomahto.

View this post on Instagram

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia #overheardoptometry #glutenfree #glaucoma #visualfield #optometryinaustralia
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Apr 14, 2019 at 8:25am PDT

11. Isn’t it easier to pronounce the word with two syllables than the one with four?!

View this post on Instagram

St. Clairsville, Ohio, USA #overheardoptometry #obstetrician #optician #tomatotomato #optometryinohio
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Apr 12, 2019 at 7:53am PDT

12. No! Then all your logic would flow out of the holes. Don’t do that.

View this post on Instagram

Hampshire, England, UK #overheardoptometry #humphreyvisualfield #visualfield #eyepatch #optometryinengland
A post shared by Overheard Optometry (@overheardoptometry) on Apr 27, 2019 at 6:38am PDT

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